The Yardbirds’ LIVE REUNION is not what you might expect. None of the band’s famous guitarists-Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page-are present for the proceedings. Neither is singer Keith Relf, who died in the mid-’70s. The only original Yardbirds featured are drummer Jim McCarty and guitarist Chris Dreja. They’re joined by newcomers “Detroit” John Idan (vocals/guitar) and Rod Demick (vocals/bass). While there is plenty of prime, live Yardbirds material out there dating from the band’s glory days-try CLAPTON’S CRADLE: THE EARLY YARDBIRDS RECORDINGS and THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION-LIVE REUNION is still recommended to longtime fans looking for newer, in-concert renditions of Yardbirds classics. (by AllMusic)
After being inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame, Jim McCarty, Chris Dreja and new member John Idan recorded this excellent live set. It’s better known as “The Yardbirds Reunion Concert” but even though it’s been retitled as “The Yardbirds Reunion Jam,” it’s still features the same terrific song selection. “Rack My Mind,”
“Sitting on Top of the World” and “Crying Out for Love,” a McCarty original, are among the stand-outs — with the latter song also being featured on their last comeback album, “Birdland.”
In a nice touch, they open with “Back Where I Started,” which was on their first reunion release, the self-titled Box of Frogs (which featured guest, Jeff Beck). A mixture of their classic hits, new originals and blues standards, this live album is a must-have for fans. With Idan and McCarty currently in the studio with the brilliant 2017 band line-up and the two-CD “Yardbirds 68” remix of the Anderson Theater concert and collector favorites such as “Avron Knows” finally released in an approved version surpervised by Jimmy Page, McCarty and Dreja, this is a perfect time to snap up this archival gem. The Yardbirds never stopped making fine music and this one compares well with their best. The price of the MP3 is quite reasonable and we who don’t downland can hope a remastered version may surface in the future. (Uncle Mickey)
THE YARDBIRDS are still the best blending of British Psychedelic Pop and good old American Blues. Submerged in the style that made them living legends, REUNION JAM is the epitome of what THE YARDBIRDS do best…ROCK and ROLL!
This collection of classic YARDBIRD’s sounds captures the essense of familarity with ecclectic authenticity. It showcases the talent and maturity of founding members, Jim McCarty and Chris Dreja, and their unique ability to withstand the rigors of performing in live venue. These masters do this with grace and ease, and the ultimate performance released in REUNION JAM is about as “good as it gets” (Kate Baley)
Boah …what a night, what a concert … Listen and enjoy !
Personnel:
Rod Demick (bass, vocals
Chris Dreja (guitar)
“Detroit” John Idan (guitar)
Jim McCarty (drums, vocals)
Alternate frontcover:
Tracklist:
01. Back Where I Started (Ricky Ricardo Rave-Up) (Dreja/Fiddler/McCarty/
Paul Samwell-Smith) 6.28
02. I’m Not Talking (Allison) 3.04
03. Heavy Weather (McCarthy/Ober) 2.34
04. Train Kept A Rolling (Bradshaw) 3.26
05. Crying Out For Love (McCarty) 4:33
06. Heartful Of Soul (Gouldman) 2.43
07. Three Lane Highway (unknown) 3.26
08. Ain’t Done Wrong (Relf) 3.34
09. Sitting On Top Of The World (Chatmon/Vinson) 5.37
10 Ain’t Got You (Carter) 2.11
11 Rack My Mind (Beck/Dreja/Relf/Samwell-Smith) 3.43
12. Ain’t Superstitious (Dixon) 3.51
13. Bad Boy (Bramlett/Clapton) 5.26
14. Dust My Broom (James) 5.28
15. Mr. You’re A Better Man Than I (M.Hugg/B.Hugg) 3.42
16. For Your Love (Gouldman) 4.19
The Yardbirds in 2018
ManyFantasticColors 